STELLA ALPINA 2004 + The Swiss Loop of Madness

July 8th-16th 2004

The event itself takes
place on Sunday 13th July in Bardonecchia,
Northern Italy. It is a large trial bike Rally with several thousand bikes
turning up over the weekend to ride up the mountain road on Sunday morning.
It is not a competitive event but more a large gathering
of like minded people. A finishers medal can be obtained by reaching a point
on the track that the organiser's feel a well ridden road bike can get to.
This whole area is Big Bike heaven, with many very small
surfaced and UN-surfaced High Alp passes to explore. How
did it all start?

Warning Alpine Roads and Scenery, when mixed
with the Stella Alpina Rally are known to cause Stellinitis. This disease
creates an almost uncontrollable urge to return to the point of infection.
There is no cure. The only relief known is regular visits to the infection
site which can prove to be costly and create personal problems through the
long term nature of this infection.YOU HAVE BEEN
WARNED.

The Stella Alpina + 2004.

Thursday the 8th of July - We'll meet
up on the Docks in Hull around 4pm, giving us plenty of time to board the
ferry for our overnight cruise to Zeebrugge. After a small drink, a pre-trip
chat, and a good nights sleep we'll arrive around 8.45am the next morning.

Friday - After disembarking around 9am, we
push south through rural France before arriving at our first Hotel. Situated
in the middle of the forest of Jura, near Champagnole, this country Hotel
offers high levels of comfort and the possibility to steam away the miles
in the Sauna, or take a dip in the pool before the evening session.

Saturday - After Breakfast we head south through
Switzerland before again crossing the border back into France where the
serious pass bashing starts. Using many stunning smaller and less well known
passes (some un-surfaced for those that wish), we continue south through
the Alps before crossing over into Italy arriving at our Hotel in Bardo.

Sunday - After breakfast it's off up the Stella
to take part in the event itself. The Afternoon can be taking in the sights
in Bardo, or more road or trail passes.

Monday - A free day to relax, do some shopping,
have a few drinks, or go out on the bike exploring the wonderful road or
trail passes this area offers in abundance.

Tuesday - After Breakfast we're off again,
heading north/east over some truly high passes. A stunning days ride eventually
ending up at our Hotel in the high Swiss town of Andermatt, bang in the
middle of an area many believe to be bikers heaven.

Wednesday - A chance to chill and take in the
mountain air, ride cable cars and mountain trains, Or join us for a spectacular
days ride down to the famous Stelvio Pass, taking in many other gems along
the way.

Thursday - A short day for those who wish back
down into the French Alps to our next Hotel near St Gervais. This will give
you opportunity to take in the ride of a life time up the Aiguille du Midi
to 3843m. With truly stunning views over Mont-Blanc this place has to be
seen to be believed. If that's not for you, a longer day will see us ticking
off more of the loop of madness before making our way back around to the
Hotel in time for an evening out.

Friday - After Breakfast we start our journey
out of the Alps through Geneva. On through the Jura we head out north/west
to our final Hotel near Troyes.

Saturday - Again, a good breakfast sees us
on the road north heading for Calais, arriving around 2pm for a crossing
to Dover. At this point, many will choose to split for home and hopefully
make it well before dark.

I believe this European jaunt to be suitable
for all, one or two up, both novice and veteran alike. It can be tackled
on almost any bike (as long as it's capable of longer journey). Any trail
riding, although easy, is optional. To help me with organising I'm afraid,
as always, very advanced booking is required and maximum numbers (20ish)
will apply. Due to the booking system at P&O the prices of the crossings
will rise as the Ferry fills up. This is designed to encourage people to
book and pay early (like some of the low cost airlines), so book early to
avoid the price quoted rising as the summer approaches.

What does it cost?

Option 1, Solo - One person & one bike, in
shared accommodation = UK £615. This includes a Hull/Zeebrugge crossing
for one bike & one person in a shared en-suite cabin, a return ticket Calais/Dover,
8 nights Hotel accommodation including Breakfast, garage parking (where
available), a guide and route cards for the duration of the trip.

Option 2, Couples - Two people (Couples) &
one bike, with your own room = UK £985. This includes a Hull/Zeebrugge crossing
for one bike & two people in a shared en-suite cabin, 8 nights Hotel accommodation
including Breakfast for both, garage parking (where available), a guide
and route cards for the duration of the trip.

It does not include, food (except for breakfast
on 8 days), drinks, smokes, petrol, bikes, extra trips! (of any kind), spending
money, tolls, tunnels or anything that does not appear in the included paragraph
above, sorry! Due to the Ferry prices not being fixed (Fluid pricing again),
this price could rise as the ferry fills. The earlier I receive your booking,
the less chance there is of this happening.

To book your place on our Stella Alpina + 2004 trip, hit
this link, & print off a booking form. Send along with your remittance
to the usual address.